Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen: Gunners Dominate Bundesliga Champs in Pre-Season Showdown
Arsenal dismantled Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen with a commanding 4-1 victory in their penultimate pre-season friendly, just ten days ahead of their Premier League opener against Wolves.
The Gunners were relentless, racing to a 3-0 lead by halftime. Oleksandr Zinchenko set the tone with a stunning strike into the bottom corner, followed swiftly by Leandro Trossard‘s composed finish after a slick team move. Gabriel Jesus then added to the tally with a powerful drive from 20 yards.
Kai Havertz rounded off a superb performance for Mikel Arteta’s side by tapping in from close range following excellent play from Bukayo Saka. Despite a late consolation goal from Czech striker Adam Hlozek, the match showcased Arsenal’s dominance. Here are five key takeaways from the match:
Zinchenko Makes a Statement
Sporting his new No.17 shirt, Oleksandr Zinchenko aimed to prove his worth this season. His brilliant opener was a testament to his determination to fend off competition from £42 million signing Riccardo Calafiori. Despite Calafiori’s arrival from Bologna, Zinchenko showed he’s ready for the challenge. This competition for the left-back spot may also spell the end for Jakub Kiwior, who was notably absent from the match lineup.
The Kai Havertz Dilemma
Havertz ended last season on a high, netting 14 goals and seven assists across all competitions. His performance against Leverkusen, including two first-half assists and a second-half goal, highlighted his versatility and vision. However, with Gabriel Jesus in fine form, Havertz’s role remains uncertain. While he excelled as a center-forward last season, his adaptability means he could play deeper if required.
Arteta’s Fiery Passion
Despite the friendly nature of the match, Arteta’s intensity was palpable. He was animated on the sidelines, passionately appealing for decisions and directing his players. David Raya, in particular, felt Arteta’s wrath over sloppy distribution. The coach’s perfectionism was evident, as he sought to rectify mistakes immediately, ensuring Raya got the message.
Leverkusen’s Tough Road Ahead
Leverkusen, last season’s Bundesliga and DFB Pokal champions, struggled against a dominant Arsenal. Captain Jonathan Tah and new signing Martin Terrier couldn’t inspire a comeback, raising questions about their readiness for the upcoming season. With Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund strengthening, Leverkusen faces a challenging title defense.
Arsenal’s Youth on Display
Arsenal’s Hale End Academy continues to produce promising talent. Four young Gunners, including Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Josh Nichols, and Ayden Heaven, were given game time. Lewis-Skelly, in particular, impressed at left-back and could provide additional competition for Zinchenko, Calafiori, and Kiwior. New goalkeeper Tommy Setford, recently signed from Ajax, was also on the bench, hinting at a bright future for Arsenal’s next generation.
As Arsenal continue to evolve under Arteta, this dominant display against Leverkusen highlights their readiness for the challenges ahead.
